MEAT processing giant JBS at Dinmore has had a tough job over recent times trying to find cattle to keep their meat processing plant humming.
As farmers rebuild their herds that process has now become easier which is not only good news for the meat giant it’s also a big win for Ipswich.
More cattle means JBS will introduce a second shift into their operation in the first half of next year and they’ll need 500 new employees to do it.
This will take the total number of people employed at the site to over 1800.
JBS Dinmore has been in operation since 1986 and accounts for 10 per cent of Australia’s total beef processing capacity, producing a wide range of grass and grain fed beef brands to major national Australian supermarkets and overseas markets including Asia, North America and the Middle East.
JBS has now commenced a recruitment drive to encourage locals to apply.
As part of that drive, they are reaching out to local high schools and are offering school-based traineeships and a pathway to employment for school leavers.
The decision to bring back the second shift has been in process for some time with JBS investing $77m at their plant this year across technology and capital works.
The investment included expansion of the plant’s chiller capacity and the installation of an automated marshalling rail system which is the first of its kind in the world.
CEO of JBS Australia Brent Eastwood, said the company was proud to offer additional employment opportunities in the region.
“This reflects JBS’s ongoing commitment to Ipswich regions and I encourage anyone in the local area and surrounding communities to apply and join the JBS family.
“A core pillar of our career opportunities is building pathways for our people to take on new responsibilities and progress within the company,” he said.
“Current vacant roles available at the Dinmore facility range from fitters, electricians, maintenance supervisors, laboratory technicians, boners, slicers, butchers and labourers.
“As one of the largest employers in the region, JBS is committed to employing locally from Ipswich and surrounding regions, however due to the ongoing labour shortage some roles may need to be sourced through an international workforce including the PALM scheme.”
Federal Blair MP, Shayne Neumann said he felt a strong affinity with JBS Dinmore, having begun his working life at the plant as a cleaner in after school hours.
“I want to congratulate JBS for its commitment to the Ipswich region and the provision of good, secure jobs,” he said.
State Bundamba MP Lance McCallum said 500 new jobs was a huge boost to both the community and economy, and builds on JBS’s legacy of being a large, long standing local employer.
